Carly Simon has revealed that she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, saying in a letter to fans that she has been learning how to live with the condition, according to Rolling Stone.
The 83-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee wrote that she took time to understand the diagnosis and decide how much to share publicly. She said the disease affects her differently from day to day, sometimes leaving her too tired to get moving and other times allowing her more room to think and work.
Simon also said she was recently treated for basal cell carcinoma on her face, and that the cancer was removed. She said the surgery made her more self-conscious about being seen in public.
Despite the health challenges, Simon said she has not stopped living or working. She noted that the experience helped shape her upcoming album, Comes in Waves, which is set for release Aug. 14 and marks her first new album in nearly 20 years.
The record was made at her longtime home in Martha’s Vineyard with collaborator Paul Samwell-Smith. Simon’s children, Ben and Sally Taylor, are featured on the album, and Sally created the cover art. The lead single, “Howl,” is out now.
